Zygomatic

Zygomatic bone is a diamond-shaped bone that is found in the human skull. It is also known as the cheekbone or malar bone. The zygomatic bone forms a significant part of the facial skeleton and contributes to the orbit's margin.

Structure

The zygomatic bone is quadrangular and has two surfaces, four borders, and two angles. It is situated at the upper and lateral part of the face and forms the prominence of the cheek, part of the lateral wall and floor of the orbit, and parts of the temporal and infratemporal fossa.

Surfaces

The zygomatic bone has two surfaces: the lateral or facial surface and the medial or orbital surface.

Lateral or Facial Surface

The lateral or facial surface is convex and perforated near its center by a small aperture, the zygomaticofacial foramen, for the passage of the zygomaticofacial nerve and vessels.

Medial or Orbital Surface

The medial or orbital surface forms part of the lateral wall and floor of the orbit.

Borders

The zygomatic bone has four borders: the antero-superior or orbital border, the antero-inferior or maxillary border, the postero-superior or temporal border, and the postero-inferior or zygomatic arch border.

Angles

The zygomatic bone has two angles: the antero-lateral or orbital angle and the postero-lateral or zygomatic arch angle.

Clinical significance

The zygomatic bone can be fractured in facial trauma. The diagnosis of a zygomatic fracture is through a physical examination and imaging, usually by a CT scan. Treatment may be by surgery, and can be delayed if necessary.

See also

• Zygomatic complex fracture
• Zygomatic arch
• Zygomaticofacial foramen
• Zygomaticotemporal foramen